Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
Hi everyone,
I'm a major lurker on this board and haven't posted much, but am an avid reader and I'm hoping perhaps some of you helpful folks may have some advice for me.
I'm coming down August 15th to spend a month on St. John at Maho Bay doing the four-hour work program (and may stay longer if I can find extended work on St. John or St. Thomas). The thing is, I am currently don't have health insurance as I am a recent college graduate and the job that I have been at does not offer benefits.
Going without insurance for the past few months has been somewhat risky in itself, but it would seem really risky to make the trip to St. John where I plan to be outdoors all the time doing all kinds of fun (yet potentially hazardous) activities, where there is always the risk of serious injury or sickness.
Anyone have any suggestions for affordable short-term medical insurance that will keep me covered in the VI? When I check out most of the websites they do not offer any plans when I put in VI as the state (I'm coming from Colorado - but don't really have a "home state" right now).
So I'm left in a tough position - risk it and go without? Or find something that I can afford that I know will cover me in the VI in case I need major medical attention.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
T.J.
Posted : July 27, 2005 5:56 pm
Hello TJ,
I'm not sure if this will help you, because I don't think they offer insurance policies of less than a year, but you could call Joyce Gregory @ VIEBC. her main office is on St Thomas, but she also has satellite offices on St John & St Croix. her telephone number is 340-775-9393. they offer health insurance coverage that would cost you appx $110.75 a month. that rate is based on a single person that's 29 & under. also, there is a $1000 deductible. I'm not sure if this will work for you, but if not, good luck!!!
Posted : July 27, 2005 7:08 pm
Thanks for the advice, Eddie! I may look into that option if I decide to stay in the VI after I'm done at Maho Bay - I really appreciate the information.
Any other suggestions out there? Thanks! T.J.
Posted : July 27, 2005 7:19 pm
go to www.lifeboatmedical.com - they sell an affordable policy for expatriates. I am not sure how many months you have to spend off the mainland for it to work. There is also a product called AmedexVI which can be obtained through local agents. If the agent you work with doesn't offer it call 776-7000 and ask to speak to a health agent thier.
Pamela
Posted : July 28, 2005 4:22 pm
I believe I read on lifeboatmedical website that to be considered a "resident" you had to live off mainland for six months. Hope this helps.
Posted : July 29, 2005 12:54 am
We went through the same thing - none of the stateside companies will cover you here. We ended up going through a company called Goodhealth - "international medical insurance for expatriates". You can find them at http://www.goodhealthworldwide.com
At least that will give you something to compare with other plans.
Posted : August 1, 2005 11:54 am
Thanks everyone for all of the tips and advice. The Goodhealth company looks promising. I appreciate it!
T.J.
Posted : August 1, 2005 4:08 pm
